WCO: Adeniyi’s Stellar Performance Receives Global Recognition

Eromosele Abiodun posits that the election of the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Basir Adewale Adeniyi as the Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation Council, is a recognition of his bottom-up approach, dismantling of obstacles to trade and prioritising efficiency in service delivery as the bedrock of trade facilitation and record revenue generation

When he assumed duty as the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), on June 27, 2023, Mr. Basir Adewale Adeniyi, promised to dismantle obstacles to trade and prioritise efficiency in service delivery and as the bedrock of trade facilitation and revenue generation.

Specifically, he said, “No longer shall encumbrances impede trade–we shall dismantle obstacles and foster a new culture of consultations and compliance.”

Also promising to prioritise staff welfare and training, Adeniyi said his administration would work diligently to implement career advancement opportunities approved by the board, and ensure that competence remained the sole criterion for assigning responsibilities and measuring effectiveness.

Adeniyi who took over from the erstwhile Comptroller General, Col. Ahmed Ali (Rtd), who led the service for about seven and a half years, also promised to adopt a bottom-up approach, where the needs of the country would take precedence over everything else.

He said he remained humbled and honoured by the trust placed in him by President, Bola Tinubu, describing it as a call to duty that signifies a great responsibility to serve the nation as trade facilitators and enforcers of government policy.

He said, “Our focus is on cultivating a highly skilled workforce that is equipped to face the challenges of a rapidly changing world. Staff welfare is of paramount importance to us. We acknowledge the harsh and hostile environment in which our officers and men are compelled to function. Therefore, we commit ourselves to prioritise the welfare and well being of our personnel.

“By providing better remunerations, improved accommodation, life insurance, and quality healthcare, we aim to create an environment that supports and motivates our workforce. We understand that a well-motivated team is instrumental in achieving our aims and objectives.”

World Customs Organisation Recognition

It was exactly two years ago last week, June 27th that Adeniyi was appointed Nigeria customs’ boss. In two years at the helm, he has posted record revenue generation, transformed trade facilitation and enhanced staff welfare. Adeniyi has increased revenue collections, consistently surpassing budgetary targets, improved relations with various stakeholders, modernised operations and digitalised processes for effectiveness.

Over the weekend, in recognition of his stellar performance, he was elected as the Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Council, the highest decision-making body in global customs administration.

This was contained in a statement by the National Public Relations Officer of the NCS, Abdullahi Maiwada.

Maiwada added that Adeniyi was elected during the 145th/146th WCO Council meeting held on Saturday at the WCO Headquarters in Brussels.

According to the statement, the election is coming exactly two years after his historic appointment as the Customs boss by President Bola Tinubu.

He explained that Adeniyi succeeded Edward Kieswetter, Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service, making him the first Nigerian to hold the office since the WCO’s establishment.

Reacting to the appointment, Adeniyi expressed profound appreciation to the council members for the confidence reposed in his leadership, describing the moment as both humbling and historic for Nigeria and the African Customs Community at large.

“This honour is not mine alone, it reflects the collective progress of the NCS and the transformative agenda we have pursued over the past two years. I pledge to uphold the core values of the WCO, while promoting innovation, equity, and deeper collaboration among member states in response to the complex realities of global trade,” Adeniyi said.

He pledged unwavering support for the WCO’s ongoing modernisation efforts affirming his commitment to implementing its 2025–2028 strategic plan.

“We are entering a critical phase in the evolution of global trade, where customs must balance facilitation with enforcement, transparency with innovation, and sovereignty with cooperation. I intend to work closely with member administrations and stakeholders to position the WCO as a dynamic, forward-looking institution fit for today’s challenges,” he said.

Adeniyi acknowledged the commendable work of his predecessor, Edward Kieswetter, providing guidance and stability to the council, adding that his leadership laid a solid foundation upon which current reforms can thrive.

The CGC further expressed optimism towards the coming sessions of the council, stressing his readiness to facilitate meaningful dialogue and progress among the global customs community.

The WCO Council is the organisation’s supreme governing body, established by the Convention on Establishing a Customs Co-operation Council. Its core mandate promotes uniformity, modernisation, and global best practices among customs administrations. All WCO working bodies report to the council, whose policy decisions guide the operations of customs administrations across its 185 member states.

As Chairperson, CGC Adeniyi is expected to provide strategic leadership to the WCO Policy Commission, steering the global customs agenda and facilitating high-level discussions on trade facilitation, revenue optimisation, security, cross-border cooperation, and digital transformation.

Adeniyi, who takes over the leadership of the Council of WCO from Edward Kieswetter, Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service, officially began guiding the global institution on July 1, 2025.

Okonjo Iweala Commends Adeniyi

First to react to the news was the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who commended the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for its ongoing reforms and leadership in customs modernisation and trade facilitation under Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.

Okonjo-Iweala lauded Adeniyi’s efforts to align Nigeria’s customs operations with international standards, describing the Service as a continental model in trade and border administration.

“The leadership of CGC Adeniyi has positioned Nigeria as a model for customs modernisation across the continent,” the WTO chief stated. “These efforts are critical to strengthening global trade and ensuring that customs administrations contribute meaningfully to economic development.”

She also noted the NCS’s progress in leveraging technology, improving compliance frameworks, and enhancing border procedures. Dr. Okonjo-Iweala emphasised the continued importance of addressing complex trade issues such as customs valuation and rules of origin, which are essential for effective and transparent trade facilitation.

Responding to the commendation, CGC Adeniyi expressed gratitude to the WTO Director-General, calling her recognition a major boost to the Service’s ongoing transformation drive.

“We are honoured by Dr. Okonjo-Iweala’s remarks. Her acknowledgment of our work is both humbling and energising,” CGC Adeniyi said. “It reaffirms that our reforms—ranging from automation and institutional transparency to digital innovation and leadership renewal—are on the right path. We remain committed to strengthening customs operations in line with global best practices.”

FG Congratulates Adeniyi

Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu also congratulated Adeniyi, on his unanimous election on in Brussels as the Chairperson of the Council of the World Customs Organisation.

Tinubu said the hoisting of the Nigerian flag at the WCO headquarters in Brussels marks a significant milestone.

“It is the first time the flag has been raised at the organisation’s headquarters since its founding in 1952. This event demonstrates the dynamism of the leadership provided by Adeniyi, who has been the head of NCS since his appointment two years ago. I congratulate the Customs boss for bringing pride and validation to our country and the economic reforms. I urge the new Chairperson of the WCO to live up to the expectation of the WCO Council and even surpass it,” the President said.

President Tinubu thank the Secretary-General and WCO leaders for unanimously electing the Nigerian Customs boss and assures that his government will support his leadership of the Council.

ANLCA: Adeniyi’s Emergence Expected

Similarly,the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), congratulated the NCS boss over his election, as the WCO Chairman.

The licensed customs agents group said it was not surprised about the emergence of Adeniyi, noting that his inspiring leadership capacity, astute administration, key agenda, the reinvigoration of the modernisation of customs processes and efficient implementation of government policies were clear signs that Adeniyi was taking the NCS to a higher pedestal; and invariably, himself as the chief guardian of the new, improved customs service. 

ANLCA National President, Mr. Emenike Nwokeoji who was the first to react to the election of Adeniyi said the association and its members are very proud of the CGC and wish him a successful tenure as chairperson of the global customs organisation.

“What has happened shows that in the international stage, Nigeria is not always a push over, and here is another chance that portrays us a capable people and trustworthy partners. It also shows that all we do here is not negative, Adeniyi has again made Nigeria proud. On behalf of my humble self, the leadership of ANLCA and its members, we share in the joy of this moment because, however you look at this beautiful event and development, we feel a sense of belonging, and share in the joy of our CGC occupying the chairmanship seat as partners”, Nwokeoji said. 

Also speaking on the development, ANLCA Vice President, Prince Segun Oduntan said the election of the NCS boss into the chairmanship position of the WCO Council is a testimonial that Nigeria’s rating in customs trade and administration meets with global acceptance and respectability. 

He said Adeniyi has succeeded is radically refocusing the service, with notable achievements in many fronts. 

“You must agree that since he came on board, customs processes have changed for the better, especially in the area of compliance. He introduced very strong stakeholders’ engagement and customs agents and their importers have seen the need to be compliant.

“It may not be one hundred percent yet but our level of compliance is rising and making customs brokerage becoming more respectable, more professional. You can even say it is helping in the area of economic stability, so kudos to Adeniyi. 

“As customs agents, we believe that without us, the customs service is not complete; so also the CGC. We are excited about what has happened, his election into the WCO Council is also a thing of joy for us. We are proud of him and we will continue to support his administration. I also think that under his watch, this government has seen an efficient, focused, result oriented customs service. 

“Let us face the fact, no customs administration has made so much impact on the overall growth of the national economy and in the area of helping the federal government achieve set goals. We congratulate him and wish him more strength,” Oduntan said.

Historic Milestone

Speaking on behalf of Zone ‘A’ of the Nigeria Customs Service, head of the unit, Charles Orbih applauded his boss for his unanimous election as Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation Council. The remarkable achievement, he added, marks a historic milestone not only for your distinguished career but also for Nigeria and the entire African continent.

“Your appointment to this prestigious position represents the global recognition of your exceptional leadership vision and the transformative work you have accomplished in modernizing the Nigeria Customs Service over the past two years. The confidence reposed in you by the international customs community is a testament to your unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation in customs administration.

“We are immensely proud to serve under your leadership and witness Nigeria’s ascension to this influential role in global customs affairs. Your appointment as the first Nigerian to chair the WCO Council brings great honour to our nation and demonstrates the world’s faith in Nigeria’s capacity to lead meaningful change in international trade facilitation.

“The officers and men of Zone ‘A’ recognise that this appointment comes with great responsibility and opportunity. We pledge our continuous dedication, loyalty, and support as you navigate this new chapter of service to the global customs community. We are confident that under your stewardship, the WCO will continue to evolve as a dynamic institution capable of addressing the complex challenges of modern global trade. 

“Once again, we congratulate you on this well-deserved honour and assure you of our unwavering support as you embark on this distinguished role. May your tenure as WCO Council Chairperson be marked by landmark achievements and meaningful contributions to the advancement of global customs practices,” he said.